PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — It appears No. 22 Pitt (11-2) could have its starting point guard back for the beginning of Big East play tonight at Notre Dame.

The Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo reports in his blog that Woodall is a game-time decision against the Irish.

Woodall injured his abdominal region against Duquesne in the City Game Nov. 30 at Consol Energy Center. He’s been out ever since and the team’s play has been noticeably different.

Without Woodall, a 46 percent 3-point shooter, Pitt’s perimeter shooting has suffered. Ashton Gibbs has gone cold and his season average from behind the arc has dropped to 37 percent.

Gibbs has been forced to play point guard instead of shooting guard and his production across the board has suffered. In the last five games he has shot under 36 percent from the field and averaged 14.8 points — a skewed point total, as many of his points have come late in blowout wins.

If Woodall is able to return he’ll put Gibbs back in a more natural position, moving and creating offense away from the ball as the 2 Guard. He’ll also add depth and experience to the back court.

Gibbs was starting with redshirt freshman Cameron Wright. Coming off the bench was another redshirt freshman, Isaiah Epps, and true freshman John Johnson.

Dixon said Woodall did light work Sunday and was expected to be pushed a little bit more Monday to gauge his readiness. The decision to play will be made after this evening’s pregame shoot around.

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Chris Gates | Area 4-1-Zoo Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com